Hormonal balance is vital to health and well being. Hormones are powerful chemicals circulating in the blood stream that impact growth and development, reproduction and metabolism as well as mood. Hormone imbalance can cause havoc in the body. For example, during menopause a woman's estrogen and progesterone levels decrease causing symptoms of hot flashes, sweating as well as mood swings and sleep disorders. Natural herbs may be used in treating hormonal imbalances.
Black Cohosh
The root of the black cohosh plant (Actaearacemosa), was recognized centuries ago by Native Americans for its medicinal benefits in relieving the menopausal symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, hot flashes or sleep disturbances and in relieving menstrual cramps. Black cohosh contains sugar compounds or glycosides, isoferulic acids that produce anti-inflammatory effects as well as plant based estrogens or phytoestrogens. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), in 2006, the Annals of Internal Medicine reported that black cohosh did not relieve hot flashes. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does recognize black cohosh for its benefits in treating menopausal symptoms. Physicians recommend a short term use of less than 6 months when using black cohosh to treat hot flashes. Black cohosh is available as a dried root for tea, in capsules, tablets and as a liquid tincture or extract form.
Dong Quai
In Chinese traditional medicine, Dong quai is recognized and promoted as a woman's herb for treating menstrual and menopausal symptoms. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Dong quai supports conditions such as, dysmenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome and spasms. Two active ingredients in Dong quai are psoralens, a group of chemical compounds found naturally in certain plants; and safrole, a clear, colorless oil used in perfumes. According to MSKCC, high doses of these ingredients are thought to be carcinogenic. Psoralens in high doses increase the risk of photosensitization, a heightened reaction of the skin or eyes to sunlight. Safrole is carcinogenic in high doses. Dong quai should not be taken during pregnancy or while breast feeding.
Kudzu
In Chinese medicine, the root and flowers of Kudzu or Japanese arrowroot has been used for centuries to treat menopausal symptoms. According to MSKCC, isoflavones, one of a family of phytoestrogens found in soybeans, under investigation for its health benefits, are the active ingredient in Dong quai that gives it its medicinal effects to treat and improve the symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats in premenopausal women and to improve cognitive function in menopausal women. Kudzu is contraindicated in individuals with an allergy to it, in patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) type cancer and when taking Tamoxifen or anti-diabetic drugs.
